Master repository updates and package installation with the classic Debian package manager. 19.02.2026 | reading time: 2 min The apt-get command is the classic command line tool to manage packages on Debian and Ubuntu systems; an admin uses it to update package lists, install software, remove packages and perform system upgrades all from the shell. Install Nginx quickly Imagine an admin setting up a web server: he runs `sudo apt-get update` and sees a response like 'Get:1 http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu focal InRelease ... Done', then `sudo apt-get install -y nginx` with output such as 'Setting up nginx (1.18.0-0ubuntu1) ...', and finally `systemctl status nginx` which shows 'active (running)'. Options that matter Useful flags include `-y` to auto-accept prompts, `--purge` to remove config files, `autoremove` to clear unused dependencies, and `clean` or `autoclean` to free disk space; use `dist-upgrade` for more complex upgrades and edit `/etc/apt/sources.list` or drop files into `/etc/apt/sources.list.d` to manage repositories, noting that `apt-key` is deprecated in favor of signed-by repository keys. Other package helpers Behind the scenes `apt-get` calls `dpkg` to install .deb files; the newer `apt` command provides friendlier output, `aptitude` offers a curses UI and alternative resolver, and `apt-cache` helps inspect packages while `dpkg -i` installs local packages. Finish line Practice installing, upgrading and cleaning packages on a test VM to build muscle memory, then explore scripting apt-get commands for automation; take that knowledge further with certification prep for CompTIA Linux+ or LPIC-1 at bitsandbytes.academy. Join Bits & Bytes Academy First class LINUX exam preparation. utilities setup troubleshooting scripting
